Italy bans gender-neutral symbols in schools, cites linguistic clarity

Italy’s education ministry has ordered schools to prohibit the use of gender-neutral symbols, arguing that they are unclear and violate the rules of Italian grammar.

"The use of non-compliant graphic signs, such as the asterisk (*) and the schwa (ə), is contrary to linguistic norms and risks compromising the clarity and uniformity of institutional communication," the ministry said in a statement.

The decision aligns with the right-wing government’s broader push to uphold traditional values. Since taking office in 2022, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has emphasized the importance of preserving Italy’s cultural identity.

Upon assuming her role, Meloni requested that her official title, “Presidente del Consiglio,” use the masculine article, il, instead of the feminine, la, in accordance with traditional Italian grammar. In Italian, nouns and adjectives have gendered forms, with masculine forms taking precedence in mixed-gender contexts. Advocates for gender neutrality have proposed alternatives, such as using an asterisk or the schwa (ə) as inclusive endings, but critics argue these changes undermine linguistic structure. The Accademia della Crusca, Italy’s leading institution on linguistic matters, has previously advised against using gender-neutral symbols in official documents, according to a report by Reuters.

Meloni has repeatedly defended what she calls Italy’s core values of “God, fatherland, and family.” This is not the first time her government has intervened in schools to reinforce traditional customs. In 2023, her party introduced legislation that would fine schools for removing Christian nativity scenes, a measure intended to safeguard Italy’s cultural heritage.